Will Congress Listen

[Sunlight]

The democratic health care bill will take away our freedom of choice, but congress will still be able to choose to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. If a congressman votes for this health care plan it should be compulsory that they participate in the “Public Plan”. There is a provision in this legislation that specifically exempts members of Congress from the Public Plan. Why do you suppose that is? What is wrong with the Public Option that the people voting for it don’t want to participate in it? If they don’t want to participate in it then why should we? On July 16th there was an amendment to the House version requiring members of Congress to enroll in the government-run health care program. The amendment was defeated by the Democrats 23 to 18.
The President has said over and over again that if we like the coverage we now have we can keep it, but low and behold there are limitations on we the people being able to keep the coverage that we have. The exception is as follows: “Except as provided in this paragraph, the individual health insurance issuer offering such coverage does not enroll any individual in such coverage if the first effective date of coverage is on or after the first day the legislation becomes law”. Well now, it is no wonder that the President didn’t understand that statement! But what it means is, if we currently have private individual coverage we won’t ever be able to change it. If you leave a company to work for yourself you will not be able to buy an individual plan from a private carrier after the legislation becomes law. If your situation changes and you want to adjust your policy you would not be able to do so.
This health care plan is not in our best interest. Our representatives in Congress should vote no.

[grruff]

I don't see why congress wouldn't love the public option. They'd be able to buy their insurance at subsidized rates, and, just as in Canada, they and the other elites would be able to move to the front of the line when they need health service.
After all, if Pelosi can have her own private Air Force jet, what's a little extra consideration on health care? Politically and economically they would be better off volunteering to join the plan (but don't tell them I suggested it).

[Kate]

Maybe because they are, for the most part, in the age category where they would be required to "consult" with someone trained to "help" them understand that they need to take an "end of life" pill so they aren't a drain on society. Kate~

[Sunlight]

HR 3200 is too large and I am definitely against the Public Option. Also, this plan leaves a large amount of the uninsured still uninsured.

There are other options that I have read about. One is Tort reform; malpractice suits result in enormous arbitrary settlements and raises everyone’s premiums. This creates defensive medicine which does no medical good and costs a fortune. The Pacific Research Institute estimates that defensive medicine wastes more than $200 billion a year. Just half that sum could provide a $5,000.00 health insurance grant or $20,000.00 for a family of four to the uninsured poor. In order to take care of those injured in medical accidents or errors we need to create a communal fund from which payments would be made after arbitration by medical experts.

And why tie health insurance to our employer? Our employer does not pay our car insurance or our home owners insurance. We should be able to purchase our insurance on the open market across state lines; this would create competition and reduce costs for everyone. More than 60% of us are happy with the coverage we now have. If we are allowed to purchase our own insurance we will find a policy that fits our individual needs. And what about health savings accounts where you pay for your own medical needs and carry a policy to cover the catastrophic medical needs?

What agency does the US Government run efficiently? Just look at Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Amtrak, US Postal Service, the Dept. of Education and the most recent Cash for Clunkers. There are others of course but you get my drift.

[Airman1stC]

Obama Braces for Health Care Town Hall in N.H.
The president will use a potentially boisterous town hall-style meeting in New Hampshire to highlight how his proposals would affect workers whose employers provide their health insurance.

AP

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is altering his message on his overhaul of the U.S. health care system, readying a fresh pitch designed for those who already have insurance.

The White House is retooling its message amid polling that shows Americans -- especially those who already have coverage -- skeptical of the Democratic proposals to expand coverage to millions. Instead, Obama will use a potentially boisterous town hall-style meeting in New Hampshire to highlight how his proposals would affect workers whose employers provide their health insurance. The United States, unlike other developed nations, lacks universal health care; most working Americans get health insurance through their employers.

The shift comes as critics of the president's plan have grabbed headlines by disrupting town hall meetings and the White House expects Tuesday's event to have a hiccup.:p

-more-; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/11/obama-braces-health-care-town-hall/

[Airman1stC]

And our elected officials just don't understand why they are feeling isolated

Sen. Cardin Booed, Jeered at Health Town Hall
Democratic senator from Maryland tries to explain health care reform working its way through Congress, but is booed and jeered repeatedly throughout his 25-minute presentation.

The next paragraph is out of context, too read the whole thing use the link at the bottom.

Cardin said how to pay for the bill has not yet been worked out, a comment that prompted even more derision from the audience. Some shouted, "Taxes!" and others shouted, "Spend, Ben, spend!"

At one point, four police officers strolled down the two aisles of the auditorium at Towson University and stood in front of the stage.

Cardin defended the health bills, saying they would provide more choice, and that there would be more people, not fewer, with insurance.

One questioner asked for an example of anything the government had taken over and provided cheaper. Cardin cited the national parks system and Medicare.

For Complete article; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/08/10/protests-jeer-sen-cardin-heath-care-town-hall/